Martin Dickson who left sixth year in June 2007 has won National Prizes for outstanding performance in the Advanced Higher Mathematics and Advanced Higher Applied Mathematics. Martin scored 98% and 99% respectively in these exams in 2007.

The National prizes for outstanding performance in the mathematics examinations were introduced in 1997 and these awards have continued and expanded each year since then. In 2007 the prize money has been donated by the AEGON life company, The Nationwide Building Society, The Edinburgh Mathematical Society, the London Mathematical Society, Oil & Gas UK, the Scottish Mathemtical Council and The Glasgow Mathematics Journal.

What a fantastic performance from the many talented young (and not so young) people of Preston Lodge. A huge thanks to the music department – staff and pupils. It was great to see pupils from the Primary schools taking part with such enthusiasm. Well done to you all.
We hope to have music clips from some of the performers on this site soon.

Two graduates from Torness Power Station are backing a bid to enthuse youngsters in a career in science as part of a new scheme launched for the first time in East Lothian.

Dermot O’Loughlin and Tim Whitmore, both graduate engineers at the East Lothian based nuclear power station, are supporting a group of youngsters from Preston Lodge through the ten week Go4SET programme.

The new initiative, run by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) brings together S2 pupils, teachers and industry representatives to encourage young people to fulfil their potential through careers in science, engineering and technology.

Working as a team, the pupils will be working on a water conservation project, and will have to research, design and build a model for recycling water for their school.

Recycling water is something the Torness graduates are extremely knowledgeable about, as running a nuclear power station requires extremely pure water to pass through the boilers and turbine to produce steam and generate electricity.

Producing this pure water is expensive and therefore requires to be recycled and used again.

In addition, sea water, used to cool different systems within the plant, is also recycled back into the environment.

Mentors Dermot (27) from Edinburgh and Tim (23) from Prestonpans said: “As well as sharing our experience of water conservation on a commercial scale, we will be helping the pupils develop project management techniques to ensure they cover all the areas they need to but also in methods of developing ideas to solutions.”

“As mentors, we get a great sense of personal satisfaction from helping in this project and encouraging others to follow what has so far been a very positive experience in the engineering profession and nuclear industry for us.”

Colin Cruickshank, a technology teacher at Preston Lodge is delighted that Torness Power Station is supporting the project.

He said: “It is great to have Dermot and Tim on board and who will be sharing their valuable skills and knowledge to help improve our school environment through this science project. The pupils are all keen to do their bit to improve water efficiency by harnessing rain water to reduce the school costs and help the environment too.

The Preston Lodge pupils taking part in the project are all from 2nd year, they are

Owen Thomson 2Gr2

Callum Price 2Gr2

Lee Matzke 2Gr3

Taylor McKillop 2Gr2

Sandy Nicoll 2Go2

Ronan Hare 2Gr3

Kate Wilson 2Go2

Karen Munro 2Se1

Nicholas Garrity 2Gr2

Andrew Kerr 2Gr3

Neil Wylie 2Se1

Only six schools in South East Scotland are involved in the project and Preston Lodge is the only East Lothian school taking part.
Dr Aileen Lothian, Go4SET Regional Co-ordinator said, “Go4SET aims to give schools the opportunity of working with and being mentored by specialists chosen from the complete spectrum of science, engineering and technology (SET) disciplines”.

“Work related learning, within an industrial enterprise context, is at the core of the Go4SET experience. Pupils will benefit from personal development in their education, enhancing their powers of creativity and innovation. “

Preston Lodge Sixth Year entered two teams into this years East Lothian Outdoor Challenge, which took place at Yellowcraigs, near North Berwick.

The two teams which consisted of 3 girls and 3 boys in each team had to endure the challenges. After completing all their challenges the teams waited to hear the results. Preston Lodge were then delighted to hear that a second place finish was in place but there was more to come when the other Preston Lodge team were crowned winners.

The annual Christmas concert at Preston Lodge High School is always a fantastic event and this year promises to be even better!

Venue: Preston Lodge High School

When: Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th December @ 7.30 pm

Cost: Adults £3 and Concessions (School Pupils/OAPs) £1

Refreshments will be available on the night.

Tickets can be purchased from the school office (01875 811170), outside the hall at morning breaks or from Mr Bishop in the Music Department. Items at the concert this year will range from traditional carols to Metallica and African Drumming to The Proclaimers Other items include will be The Monkees, Soul Medley, Pirates Of The Carribean and Pulp Fiction.

This is a great opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas and to hear fabulous musical performances.